Disneyland Comin' at Ya! Summer 1955, The Grand Finale!

We’ve covered Main Street and Fantasyland, now it’s time to see the rest of the Park circa July/August 1955 in glorious Faux©D! This view of Adventureland was taken at the entrance, looking inside the themed area. As always, the 3D version and the stitched panorama below. That little boy was thirsty!



A closeup of the Tiki's Tropical Imports souvenir stand:



A shot of the stand and its wares from March 1956:



A view of one of the Bull Elephants from the Jungle Cruise attraction:



Not as exciting without the 3D effect!



The Indian Village was once located near Adventureland, in the approximate spot that Indiana Jones would eventually take over:





Below is the New Orleans Street area of Frontierland, which now houses the River Belle Terrace Restaurant.





This location housed Casa de Fritas (opening August 11, 1955) until it moved in 1957 and was replaced by the Silver Banjo BBQ. Initially, I thought the singing group was the Gonzales Trio (with a fourth member added in for good measure), but let’s just say I’m not 100% sure on that!



The Mark Twain riverboat:





It is so jarring to see autos inside the Park in many of these early shots taken during the first few months of operation:



Last one shows the entry area to Tomorrowland, featuring tile from the Clock of the World at left and the atomic symbol on the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry at right:





And that’s all, folks! I hope you enjoyed this FauxD© look at early Disneyland!

 See more photos at my main website.

The Frito Kid

There are very few vintage Disneyland images that cause this jaded guy to get excited anymore, but this one was an exception! I was VERY happy to add a shot of the Frito Kid vending machine at the Casa de Fritos restaurant in Frontierland. Originally located on New Orleans Street, the Kid moved to the location shown here in 1957. The Gonzalez Trio are entertaining guests in front of the entrance.



This is almost like an advertisement: the little boy eating a bag of Fritos outside the restaurant while he enjoys the Gonzalez Trio.



While I do know that the Frito Kid moved to this location in 1957, I don’t know what happened to him. Anyone?

See more Disneyland Casa de Fritos photos at my main website.

Taste the Rainbow

Put a little wiggle in your day with this FauxD© shot of a ha-cha-cha gal relaxing at the Casa de Fritos restaurant, circa 1960’s. I wonder how long before that hibiscus flower in her hand ended up in her hairdo? The bright rainbow colored thatched umbrellas seemed to only last during the 1960s. Here’s one from February 1960:

June 1961:

 

1964 or 1965:

 

January 1966 with the Gonzalez Trio:

 

In this July 1974 shot, you can tell by the silver rod that the thatched umbrellas were no more.

 

Based on this 1980’s photo, thatch was out, and fringe was in:

See more Casa de Fritos photos at my main website.

Monday Serenade

Let’s get the day started right with a shot from June 27, 1960 featuring EVERYONE’S favorite Frontierland musical group, The Gonzalez Trio. Carmelita is shaking the maracas on the left as the other two sang along with her. Was it “Tacos for Two,” “Guadalajara,” or “El Rancho Grande”? Who knows?!? Whatever it was I’m sure the guests of that era ate it up!



See more Gonzalez Trio photos at my main website.

Frito Friday

I am digging this 1956 image of the Gonzalez Trio in Frontierland. Not only do we get to see the Trio in action, but the Frito Kid is in the background licking his chops over those tasty crunchy chips at the Casa de Fritos.



Here's another shot of the trio from October 1959.



Zooming in we see a very chic looking guest who appears to have been influenced by the style of Audrey Hepburn. Too cool for Disneyland.



Upon closer inspection, today it appears that the Gonzalez Trio is only a duo. I want a refund.



More Gonzalez Trio at Disneyland photos at my main website.

Fiesta Friday

This April 1959 image shows the Gonzalez Trio at the Frontierland Gates. Perhaps it was also on a Friday that they were serenading the guests.

A closeup of the Trio themselves:



I call this second closeup "Bored Hipster Dad with Cool Hat."



More Gonzalez Trio photos at my main website.

2 out of 3

I feel cheated. Clearly, the sign in this October 1960 image says "El Trio Gonzalez." Even with my limited knowledge of Español, I know that trio means 3. I only see two. Can I get a refund?



While growsing over the missing Gonzalez, let's take a look at the wares from the nearby vendor tables.



Maybe I can get a free trinket for my troubles.

More Gonzalez Trio at my main website.

Gonzalez Trio at the Horseshoe

Standing in front of Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Saloon are the Gonzalez Trio, circa 1960-something.

A closeup of the lovely Carmelita Gonzalez:



The sign behind them reads “Sorry Full House…next show…” (thanks Steve!). I wonder if they every have to use a sign like that at the Horseshoe these days?



See more Daveland Gonzalez Trio photos at my main website.

More Gonzalez Trio!

I never tire of seeing photos of Disneyland music groups, especially the Gonzalez Trio in Frontierland. Here they are singing for guests, who appear oblivious to the Latino musicians.



One of their trademark songs was "Tacos for Two," a parody of "Cocktails for Two." This youtube video isn't the Gonzalez Trio, but it does allow you to hear this humorous tune:



See more Daveland Gonzalez Trio photos at my main website.

A Picture Is Worth...

Only one photo today, but with plenty of details to see, you get so much more from this 1960 Castmember spectacular in front of Disneyland's Main Street Train Station. The first detailed view shows jester/juggler/unicycler Christopher Fair:



Here's a color shot of Christopher from my collection from June 1963:



And a shot of his backside in front of the castle:



At the center of this detailed view is Roy Williams from the Mickey Mouse Club:



He was performing various duties in the park, including doing drawings/caricatures on Main Street:



The shoe shine dancing duo of Kenny & Teddy can be seen at center here:



And in New Orleans Square in this 1966 image:



Bill and Lloyd Elliott of the musical Elliott Brothers can be seen here:



They played in the Plaza Gardens that have now been replaced by Fantasy Faire:



The Gonzalez Trio made it to Main Street for the group photo:



Here they are back in Frontierland:



And last, a shot of the trio of stars from the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, Wally Boag, Betty Taylor, and Donald Novis:



They can be seen inside the 'shoe in the same order in this vintage color transparency:



I'd say I got my mileage out of that photo!

See more Daveland Disneyland Character photos at my main website.